Biography

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dan has been singing since about the time he could walk. He grew up listening to his dad and uncles (with roots in the Tennessee mountains) picking their guitars. Other family members/friends would join in singing along to old country, gospel and bluegrass songs.

Breaking on to the Cincinnati music scene over Ten years ago, Dan Varner has built a reputation as one of the most talented, hard-working and original country performers to hit the area in quite some time.

At 6’4”, good humored, warm and sincere, Dan’s stage presence demands attention. Fans and industry insiders agree. Just take a look at Dan’s most recent accolades:

  • Dan is a proud memeber of the CMA (Country Music Association) &                                                                          ICMA (Inspirational Country Music Association) 
  • Top 5 Nominee for Best Vocals at the 2018 ICMA Awards  
  • Opening act for the following country superstars: Blake Shelton, Sara Evans, Rodney Atkins, LoCash Cowboys, Dan & Shay, Kip Moore, Love & Theft, Charlie Worsham, John Michael Montgomery, Josh Gracin, Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan, Little Texas, Confederate Railroad, Jason Michael Carroll, and many more. 
  • Nashville benefit performance with country star Taylor Swift
  • Multiple Nashville “In the Round” performances with Music Row’s top hit- makers
  • CEA Finalist For Best Country Band
  • Voted #1 Original Music, Best Singer and best original Band by EV Readers Choice Awards
  • Voted one of the top bands in the Ohio tri-state area
  • Multiple, live on-air radio performance within regional markets

Through over 590 live performances, Dan and his band have spent the past two years sharing his songs with new fans across the region. Venues included the prestigious Gibson Showcase in Nashville, 4th Street Live in Louisville and Turfway Park. When they are home they can be found performing at local establishments in the Cincinnati area.

Dan is one of the rare finds in this industry where vocals, songwriting and stage presence come together to offer the “full package.” Combine that with a genuine love and appreciation of the country music tradition and you have a performer who can compete with Nashville’s finest.

Dan has been fortunate to surround himself with multi-talented musicians who form the core of the Dan Varner Band. These are seasoned, professional musicians with a combined 80 years experience in multiple genres including jazz, blues, country, and rock.

In 2003, Dan was offered his first, major, regional performance at Louisville’s popular 4th Street Live concert series. This performance became the first of an unprecedented five year run that culminates with Dan’s 2008 EP release, From Within, produced by Doc Smith.

Dan Varner is winning over fans nationwide with his original music and live, dynamic performances. Doc Smith, manager and CEO/President of WiseSmith Management sums Dan’s budding career up nicely:

“Dan Varner will be “THE” country music artist that will, and can fill, the shoes of the legends of yes-ter-years.”


Since 2008